Jean-Claude Juncker asks Ukip MEPs 'why are you here?' as Nigel Farage attends European Parliament over Brexit
The Ukip leader laughed at the exchange in a heated debate on Tuesday
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Your support makes all the difference.“Why are you here?” Jean-Claude Juncker asked Ukip MEPs as the European Parliament met to discuss the UK’s vote for a Brexit.
Nigel Farage was among the British representatives present for the debate, which quickly became heated as Brussels continues to reel from Friday’s result.
Mr Juncker, the President of the European Commission, turned on Ukip MEP Paul Nuttall who clapped after he pledged to respect Britain’s wishes.
“That’s the last time you are applauding here,” he said, to enthusiastic applause from MEPs.
“And to some extent, I’m really surprised that you are here. You were fighting for the exit, the British people voted in favour of the exit, so why are you here?”
"It's a pleasure," Mr Nuttall replied.
Mr Farage,sitting to the right of Mr Juncker with a Union flag on his desk, laughed during the exchange.
Mr Juncker said he was “sad” at the UK’s decision, adding: “I’m not a robot, I’m a human being.”
“Our British friends have expressed their view by universal suffrage and the majority view of the British people demands respect,” he added. “Democracy is democracy and we must respect it.”
Before the session opened he was seen in conversation with Mr Farage, who grimaced after receiving a kiss on the cheek.
The European Commission President said the “British remain our friends” as David Cameron prepared for an awkward meeting with EU leaders.
In the first session since the UK voted to leave the 28-nation bloc on Tuesday, he was due to discuss the implications of the Brexit as market volatility continued.
The Prime Minister, who led the Remain campaign, resigned on Friday but will not leave his post until a new Conservative Party leader is elected in October.
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